Dr Herbert West writes: LAS VEGAS — Automakers, hoping to get ahead of the technology curve for once, are opening their dashboards and APIs to outside developers in a bid to ramp up the number of apps you can use behind the wheel.

Each automaker is providing developers with an SDK through an online portal. As part of the Ford Developer Program, the Dearborn-based automaker is offering support from its own mobile app development house as well as other app testing vendors.

The API guidelines are an interesting read, in that GM will “instantly deny” apps that incorporate video, excessive text and gaming in a bid to reduce the risk of distracted driving.